Dr Bryon wrote the folowing log during backpacking:
The following scouts and leaders participated in the back packing trip:
David Mosely, Marvin Ordonez, Bryan Graham, Sean Rowland, Harrison Trubitt Josh Solberg, Reed Hallums, Mrs. Paula Trubitt, Mr. Burgess Hallums, Dr. Bryon Solberg.
Greetings to each of you, from a Scoutmaster who is now a bit more rested
and well nourished.
Thank you to those of you who attended and/or allowed your son to hike with us on our Troop 301’s first fifty mile backpack in Yosemite (2008)!
Arrival day: Saturday afternoon found some thunderclouds overhead, but fortunately only a few raindrops. The Scouts and Scouters quickly set up their tents and made their (yum, yum. .. .freeze dried) suppers. For most of the rest of the week, we had incredibly clear blue skies.
Sunday: We were on the trail by 9 AM. I was so impressed with how well everyone packed up each
AM, as we were on the trail around 8 AM each day for the rest of the week! We backpacked across the meadows of Tuolumne (Native American= stone wigwams/huts), and onto the familiar trail along the Tuolumne River. This year, we went past Little Devils Postpile (we turn around near here on the day hikes for a 10 miler), and we continued down into the Grand Canyon of Tuolumne past beautiful Tuolumne Falls, and into Glen Aulen (“Beautiful Valley”).
We camped and swam near the White Cascade waterfall. We had been warned of bears raiding camp, but the boys were disappointed that no bears tried to steal our food. However, there apparently was a kleptomaniac squirrel and a water bottle on the Scouts’ high ridge that they climbed for views.
Harrison was wonderful throughout this trip with his BSA Lifeguard training, and he helped keep our swim adventures within BSA parameters.
Monday: the Troop got its first real challenge, as we climbed 1200 feet to May Lake. On the way, we swam in Raisin Lake, named for the fact that it sits and warms in the sun, however, this lake was colder than I remember from my guiding days. (perhaps budget cuts have affected the heating bill!).
The beautiful May Lake sits below Mount Hoffman, which is the geographical center of Yosemite. Marvin showed his resolve, as he conquered the mountain pass. Never a complaint from this Scout in the 100 miles (he hiked over20 the two weeks). We went to the “Wedding Ridge,” where the view included almost half of the park.Evening brought high winds, and these blew throughout the night. Our tents held well.
Tuesday had us following the old Tioga Road downhill toward Tenaya Lake. Unfortunately, a trail runner bumped into Vivek, and Vivek hurt his ankle. We placed a brace upon the ankle, and everyone dove into his pack to carry something. Our SPL David helped carry his pack like a stretcher, as we got ourselves to a hikers’ shuttle. We went to the meadows of Tuolumne, and replanned the rest of our trip. We kept the integrity of the backpack trip intact, as we did not use the cars. We spent the day hiking the historic trails and off trail meadow areas as we summitted Pothole Dome, and found a marmot (stuffed) for Vivek (the marmot also now known as Ali Baba!).
Wednesday: With our friend Vivek now safely with his dad, we left this morning for Vogelsang
(aka “Bird Song,” “Most Beautiful Place” (Dr. Bryon), or ‘German Death March” (per some Scouts). Bryan Graham’s pack just seemed to get heavier and bigger, but never was there a complaint, a stumble, or a hint of slowing down, as his quiet strength inspired the group. We camped in a beautiful meadow, near Lake and Mount Fletcher, a most beautiful place indeed!
Thursday: We turned our backpacks into daypacks, as the Scouts learned the special lesson of “Layover Day Trail Magic.” We ascended past Vogelsang Lake, and across Vogelsang Pass. The incredible views to the mountains of Clark, Triple Divide, Grey Peak, Red Peak, Lyell, Fletcher, Florence, and Simmons greeted us. We looked down upon Gallison and Bernice Lake, the latter was to be our destination.
In the 40 years I have visited or worked in Yosemite, I have never visited Bernice Lake, as it is a steep mile off the main long trail between the High Sierra Camps. Nor do I know or anyone else on the Ranger or Yosemite Association Staff who has visited this lake. We were gifted with an incredible experience, as this large subalpine lake had an island to swim to (Marvin, Harrison, and our original pyro-penguin: Reed), and the lake was surrounded by granite walls that formed an echo chamber (Josh’s voice was just the right frequency to take total benefit of this phenomenon). We dropped and climbed over 1200 feet again this day, but to look at Sean, we might have well just strolled around the block-he just does not get tired! The Scouts feasted on chocolate at Vogelsang High Sierra Camp to celebrate their accomplishment.
Friday: We were on the trail again, as we headed north again to Tuolumne Meadows. We swam in the river at Twin Bridges, had ice cream at the lodge, and then went to the (in)famous Mobil Station/Whoa Nellie Deli where we feasted on burgers, pizza, and chocolate cake. We were blessed to again experience Ranger Margaret Eissler’s “Music and Mountains” flute and inspiration reading program on the sides of Lembert Dome as we watched the sun set on Friday evening. Our special closing ceremony celebrated each of the participants and the beauty of Yosemite.
We would like to give a special thanks to Mrs. Paula Trubitt and Mr. Burgess Hallums. Without their dedication/driving/hiking/leadership, this trip would never have happened! They are so good with the Scouts, and love the wild places of Yosemite.
Thank you also again to each of the Scouts who hiked with us, and to each of you as parents who allowed your son to hike with us.
Bryon
Dr. Bryon Solberg
Troop 301 Scoutmaster